Poll: The Iconic Wizard Needs a Tiger

[Rick_Smith]

Hi all,
I was not that impressed with the cover art for the new ItL. Many great bits of art capture a moment just before the action is resolved. For example, on page 3 of the old ItL, a sword man is about to fight a gargoyle. Who will win? The art would be less interesting, if we saw the gargoyle's brains splashing across the page. See also, ItL pages 8, 11, 25, 32, 43. AM pages 2, 11, 23, 32. AW pages 2, 8, 10, 26, 39. And also the cover art for the 3 books.

All of Robert Phillips art in the books are either before the action is resolved, or some scene that makes you curious about the story. "What will happen next?" Or, "that looks like a cool place to adventure." Or, "Is she going to cast a spell in that brazier?"

There is not space to add a tiger, but a flying dragonette would fit. If the art is done right, it may make the viewer ask some questions:
-- Will it attack?
-- Is it about to be hit?
-- Is it friend or foe to the wizard?
-- It's eyes are glowing! Is it about to cast a spell?

etc.

Something that would add some mystery and suspense to the art would improve it, I believe.

Warm regards, Rick.

[Shostak]

Adding a supporting character would not necessarily improve the illustration, since it was not designed for anything but the solitary figure and the text.

A compelling composition requires each of its elements to encourage the eye to move, taking in first the essential visual information and then supporting details. Not everyone likes the style of Clark Bradley's original Wizard cover (though I think it was perfect for a host of reasons), but it is undeniably a very strong composition.

[Skarg]

Originally Posted by Rick_Smith

Hi all,
I was not that impressed with the cover art for the new ItL. Many great bits of art capture a moment just before the action is resolved. For example, on page 3 of the old ItL, a sword man is about to fight a gargoyle. Who will win? The art would be less interesting, if we saw the gargoyle's brains splashing across the page. See also, ItL pages 8, 11, 25, 32, 43. AM pages 2, 11, 23, 32. AW pages 2, 8, 10, 26, 39. And also the cover art for the 3 books.

All of Robert Phillips art in the books are either before the action is resolved, or some scene that makes you curious about the story. "What will happen next?" Or, "that looks like a cool place to adventure." Or, "Is she going to cast a spell in that brazier?"

There is not space to add a tiger, but a flying dragonette would fit. If the art is done right, it may make the viewer ask some questions:
-- Will it attack?
-- Is it about to be hit?
-- Is it friend or foe to the wizard?
-- It's eyes are glowing! Is it about to cast a spell?

etc.

Something that would add some mystery and suspense to the art would improve it, I believe.

I agree with all you wrote, Rick. A dragonet swooping in from behind her as if to either land on her shoulder, or take a chunk out of it, could transform the composition into something much more interesting and evocative.

So could a glimpse or shadow of another armed man coming up behind the fighter on the new Melee cover - is it an ally, or someone about to take him out from behind.

It would also include the importance of position and situation in TFT, which would distinguish it a bit from other games.

(I always wondered about the cover of Melee (3rd & later printings) if the spear-woman behind the exultant warrior was an ally, or about to charge-attack him in the back... a nice effect.)

[Nils_Lindeberg]

Maybe add a few pieces of art where the heroes goes down in gruesome ways, or at least face insurmountable odds. Like the old paintings of a dying king/hero on the battle field and such.

Just to set it apart from the classic fantasy tropes out there today?

[The Wyzard]

****, I wasn't actually talking about changing the cover art. It's already done and on posters and stuff.

[Jim Kane]

Well we don't actually know for sure if they are sticking with that artwork when it comes time to actually print the TFT materials. Many things have been presented as "not final art". I have seen things change at the last minute, right up to the moment before running the presses.

JK

[Tenex]

Originally Posted by The Wyzard

Now, the wizard from the cover of Wizard strikes me as potentially compelling, possibly because she looks like she belongs airbrushed on the side of a van.

Ha. You are showing your age. Not sure if the new gen of gamers would catch the cultural reference.

Originally Posted by The Wyzard

...the wizard needs a big weird animal or monster companion so she's not alone on the side of the van.

A vulgar unicorn?